I’ve always known that I am a drawer. I love every aspect of drawing, from the technical to the conceptual. I love the physical act of drawing; with the sound of a graphite stick as it is dragged across a wood panel, the scent of a warm eraser that has been heavily used and the smearing of dense charcoal on white paper. I love drawing’s ability to encompass bold marks and quiet subtleties simultaneously. When drawing, I use my entire arm and body for physical, expressive marks and then engage closer to the paper or wood for minute detail. I prefer to vary my materials to involve the viewer as much as possible.

Though I love drawing, I also love the possibilities of space and involving the viewer. I often add three-dimensional objects to challenge the space and break the plane of the wall. I love the performative nature of drawing large scale in public spaces, which allows the viewer to experience the evolution of the drawing. My goal is not to create permanent art works, but to create experiences.

Tug of War, Mayors Park, Young Harris, GA(outdoor drawing, children playing tug of war)

Tug of War, Mayors Park, Young Harris, GA(outdoor drawing, children playing tug of war)

Dawn Martin Dickins working in studio

Artist: Dawn Martin Dickins

I grew up in a small South Georgia town, surrounded by old buildings, peanut fields, and silence. I studied drawing at Georgia Southern University. Wanting to continue to learn and create, I attended graduate school at the University of South Carolina in Columbia. I currently teach at Middle Tennessee State University in the Art Foundations Program.

Yes I like how you have created experiences with your drawing. I like how you have taken drawing out of the intimate viewing space , which I love, into an interesting ‘big’ experience. I still wonder if works need to be bigger to be more important. I like to draw on a small format. But do wonder if I should go bigger. Anyway, fun, I like the chairs and the tug of war outside ones the best. Thanks.

About Creative Thresholds

CT explores the creative potential of borders, boundaries, difference, and limitation. It's a playground for multiple genres and diverse points of view. And like any good playground, it provides space for more than one person to have a good time. So I have friends here as well, contributing quirky, serious, playful, innovative, eclectic, and imaginative work.

Enjoy!
Melissa

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